Meet-a-Doc: Meet Dr. Rachel Penn!
Hackensack Meridian K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is proud to expand its pediatric neurology services for epilepsy with the exciting addition of Rachel Penn, M.D., Director of Pediatric Epilepsy. We are proud to continue to see our pediatric programming meet the growing needs of our community.
Dr. Penn is a specialized expert in treatment of pediatric seizures and epilepsy, and is committed to the expansion of the pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and the growth of the comprehensive epilepsy center. She takes a thoughtful approach with her patients, and offers innovative treatments to reduce seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy.
Dr. Penn cares deeply for her patients and families; finding the lasting relationships she makes with them, one of the most fulfilling parts of her job.
Dr. Penn treats:
- Pediatric Epilepsy
- Spell characterization
- First-time seizures
- Febrile seizures
- Treatment-resistant/intractable epilepsy.
How to set up an appointment?
Call: 732-776-4551
Location:
HOPE Tower at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
19 Davis Ave
5th Floor
Neptune, NJ 07753
We asked Dr. Penn!
What sparked your interest in a medical career?
My love for neurology began as an undergraduate, as my strong interest in neuroscience impelled me to pursue my Cognitive Science major and learn how the brain works. In medical school, I was finally able to meet the patient faces behind the intricate pathophysiology that I loved learning about. The lasting relationships that I have developed with my patients and their families is what I find to be the most fulfilling facet of medicine.
What is a professional achievement you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my teaching efforts that started back in medical school. I created and launched an Empathy curriculum at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to teach skills on how to best connect with patients going through the most difficult times. My teaching projects continued as I became an instructor in the Interprofessional Educational Curriculum and Transition to Residency Curriculum during residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins. I have enjoyed teaching and mentoring medical students and residents to enhance their preparedness for the medical field, especially in skills outside of pure medical knowledge.
What is the #1 tip you always share with patient families?
Please be open and honest in your communication with me. This is so important to make sure that we can have collaborative discussions and make important decisions together as a team. You should always reach out to me for any questions and never be concerned about asking a silly question!
How do you spend time with your friends and family for fun?
We love traveling and exploring new places, especially when it includes outdoor adventures like hiking, scuba diving, or exploring a new beach.
